PEACE AND WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20116, 29 November 1928, Page 12

PEACE AND WAR.

PRESBYTERIAN ATTITUDE. DISCLAIMER OF PACIFICISM. SOLUTION OF PROBLEM FOUND. A clear pronouncement on tho subject of peace unanimously adopted l>y the Jerusalem Missionary Conference last Easter provided the Presbyterian Assembly yesterday with a happy solution of a somewhat difficult problem that confronted it. Tho assembly was divided regarding the wording of a peace manifesto submitted by the Rev. Dr. James Gibb. of Wellington, but tho Jerusalem statement won practically unanimous acceptance and, with necessary verbal alterations, was adopted by tho assembly as its own.

The statement "summons all who share in the world-,vide Christian mission to unremitting ptayer and effort to secure (1) tho renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy; (2) the adoption of peaceful methods for tho settlement of all international differences; (3) and tho changing of thoso attitudes and practices which constitute the roofs of war."

As convener of tho public questions committee Dr. Gibb moved the adoption of a lengthy peace manifesto originally prepared by a representative union commitleo in Wellington.

Peace Manifesto Explained. Dr. Gibb assured the assembly that tho manifesto was not a pacifist one. It was a claim that tho Church in tho name of its Master should take tho lead in endeavouring to secure the peace of the world. It had been suggested that the manifesto did less than duo honour to their beloved dead who had given their lives in tho war. The meaning of the manifesto was tho absolute antithesis ol that. It was unthinkable to him that tho Presbyterian Church should tako one step backward in this great crusade for the peace of tho world. Tho motion was seconded by the Rev. J. D. Smith, of Dunedin, who said pacificism was no solution of tho problem, but merely ignored it. Tho Christchurch Presbytery overtured that the manifesto was " too long " and contained " inaccurate and questionable statements." Its basic principles wero not clearly slated and tho Assembly should consider preparing a " briefer, and clearer, more moderate and nioro dignified statement."

Three presbyteries approved of the manifesto without alteration, several suggested slight alterations, and a few suggested modifications of a much moro radical form.

An overture from tho Auckland Presbytery' asking for tho appointment of a special committee to consult with tho public questions coinmitteo with a view to eliminating the controversial clauses of the manifesto was supported by the Rev. W. Lawson Marsh, of Devonport. He was delighted to know from Dr. Gihb that . the manifesto was not £i, pacificist one. The manifesto declared that " war, regarded as an instrument of national policy, was utterly opposed to the mind of Christ." On that they were all agreed, but it meant nothing. It had been pointed out again and aga n that "as an instrument of national policy" was practically used to cover all k.nds of war. He appealed to Dr. Gibb to add tho. word "aggressive" and then he would bo able to agree with him.

Dr. Gibb agreed to this addition

The Rev. D. G. Herron said if Dr. Gibb added that word ho would movo to have it taken out again. Language Objected To.

"I think I have made my point—that this document does not make manifest what the committee means," said Mr. Marsh amid s.pplause. "I am out for peace, hut I want this pronouncement 10 make absolutely manifest what the church means."

Mr. Marsh nominated a large committee of minister and elders in terms of his overture.

On the ground that the setting up of a committee would serve no good purpose, and that it would have no chance of reaching unanimity the Rev. D. C. Herron supported tho motion. lie read tho pronouncement unanimously adopted by tho International Missionary Council, representing 51 different nations at Jerusalem, and said it was as near as possible to this peace manifesto. Tho difference between aggressivo and defensive war was a futile one without real existence. Tho Rev. J, Paterson, of Wanganui, supported the motion. Tho Rev. J. Milne asked if he might speak both for the motion and the amendment as they were both the same. (Laughter.) lie saw New Zealand as a little boy armed with a toy gun stintting into a room and challenging everybody to fight. Dr. Erwin jaid in tho document read by Mr. Herron there was an avoidance of such phrases s,s "utterly opposed to the miad of Christ." Apparently some of the committee did not understand the force of that language. If a thing was utterly opposed to the mind of Christ then in no circumstances could they do it. Dr. Gibb thought he was in tho secret of tho Almighty and could interpret His mind. The assembly was convulsed with laughter which increased as Dr. Gibb roso to protest.

"I ask you, sir, if it is appropriate language?" said Dr. Gibb. "It is utterly unbecoming." Tho moderator recalled that there was a verse about a prophet being in the secret counsel of God

"Moderator, I insist on your ruling," persisted Dr. G.ibb.

"Allow me to say I won't rule," was the moderator's decisive responso amid loud applause. "I think that a remark of that kind made as it was is not one that anyone should tako to heart." (Applause. ) Dr. Erwin said if the document had been couched in tho language of the Jerusalem resolution there would not havo been any opposition to it. (Applause.) Bitterness of Feeling Deplored.

Tho Itov. Lr. E. N. Merrington, of Dunedin, deplored the bitterness of feeling that this subject aroused. Why should they not nlign themselves with that noble sud well-considered document of tho Jerusalem conference to which they could rdl .subscribe without any reservation whatover ? (Applause.) Mr. Marsh ?aid ho would withdraw if Dr. Merrington was given an opportunity to move Ihn Jerusalem resolution. Ilns was dono and lir. Merrington inov(>d that with a suitable chango in terms the assembly should adopt as its peace manifesto the peace resolution of Ihe Jerusalem conference, and commend ,u, s, ' lfor (-''"'dies of the Dominion. When the voto was taken on l>r. Mer rincrton's motion it was carrier! i, v an overwhelming majority. Dr. Oibb's 'voice and one other being the only ones heard against it.

Iho statement, now reads: "Inasmuch as tho world-wide Christian mission is an expression of the spirit of the I'rince of Peace and an attempt to realise the truth that in Him all dividing lines, whether of race or class, are transcended, and inasmuch as war is universally ac* knowledgsd as a most grievous hindrance for the tiiump.i of this spirit among men. Presbyterian Church summons all our faithful people, to unremitting prayer and effort to secure: (1) The renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy. (2) Iho adopt ion of peaceful methods for tho settlement of all international differences, (o) The changing of those altitudes and practices which constitute tho roots of war."